Pickguards

[RileyKendall]

OK, I can't make up my mind 100%.  The guitar came with a clear pick guard but not installed.  I ordered a removable/reusable one from Taylor but have not tried it yet.  I also ordered some pick guards from the internet which are not made by Taylor.  Shown are pictures of no pick guard, the black pearl, and the white pearl.

[mgap]

I personally don't mind the pickguard look.  With your guitar, I think that the clear or non-pickguard look is best.  Then I would say the traditional Taylor tortoiseshell.  Then your black pearl.  The solid black would look good as well.  Now for me, and this is just my personal preference, but I would not have the white one.   

[TaylorGirl]

To have a PG or not is a personal choice, and much of it is dependent on your style of play. I'm a fingerpicker, so NO PG is my first choice, especially on a beautiful top like that. But, I fully understand the need for one, if the player is an agressive strummer. I agree with MGap.....the white one is my last choice, it cheapens the guitar.

[RileyKendall]

Normally, I prefer the look of a guitar with a pick guard.  However, this particular guitar is maybe the exception.  I think the white is definitely a no go because its too white.  If it were more of cream color (matching the binding or the pearl inlays on the neck), then maybe.  I don't like the black pearl as much.  The tortoiseshell color is on my other Taylor.   

I still want other peoples opinions because they allow me to think outside of my initial reasoning.

So, keep the feedback coming. 

Thanks

[Strumming Fool]

Except for my 324, all my other Taylor GAs have no pick guard.  I like that look, and Taylor's UV cured poly finish is quite resilient even for this strumming fool. There are no pick marks on any of these guitars. For the guitar pictured, I'd go with no guard,  but if you're nervous, go with the clear.

[Earl]

My vote is "none", followed closely by "clear permanent".  I'm a 75% finger picker and my strumming technique is such that I don't really need a pick guard.  Plus I'm not fond of the Taylor PG shape anyway, aesthetically.  I'd rather have the Martin style teardrop shape, if a pick guard is a must.

[Mark Stone]

Clear Removable. It's a pickguard that does not steal from the instrument's appearance, and leaves the option to go back to being nekkid! 

[Guitar Cowboy]

I'd go with clear . I have a removable clear  on my K26  and all my other Taylors have pick guards. I need them . Unlike SF, I cant seem to stay clear of the top with my strumming.. something to work on. Also, I have to say that it doesn't appear that the white pearl or the black pearl guards are exactly the "Taylor" shape ... closem, but not quite and they both look too big,  which I think makes them look like add ons.  Take your time.

[RileyKendall]

I'd go with clear . I have a removable clear  on my K26  and all my other Taylors have pick guards. I need them . Unlike SF, I cant seem to stay clear of the top with my strumming.. something to work on. Also, I have to say that it doesn't appear that the white pearl or the black pearl guards are exactly the "Taylor" shape ... closem, but not quite and they both look too big,  which I think makes them look like add ons.  Take your time.

No they are not the exact Taylor shape.  I didn't realize until after I received them. They are  bigger and rounder in all dimensions from the actual Taylor pick guard. They are very flimsy and probably could be trimmed to match.  But, I am leaning toward clear or none at this point.

[mgap]

I'd go with clear . I have a removable clear  on my K26  and all my other Taylors have pick guards. I need them . Unlike SF, I cant seem to stay clear of the top with my strumming.. something to work on. Also, I have to say that it doesn't appear that the white pearl or the black pearl guards are exactly the "Taylor" shape ... closem, but not quite and they both look too big,  which I think makes them look like add ons.  Take your time.

No they are not the exact Taylor shape.  I didn't realize until after I received them. They are  bigger and rounder in all dimensions from the actual Taylor pick guard. They are very flimsy and probably could be trimmed to match.  But, I am leaning toward clear or none at this point.

I like the look of no PG but if you are a heavy strummer you might need one.  In that case I would want a clear removable style.  I found that I don't actually need a pickguard since I bought a 514 LTD that has no PG, I have been playing it a bunch with no damage to the top

[Marco Polo]

I voted none.

Just be careful 

[shorty]

I vote clear removable...best of both worlds!   

[KM Frye]

The T5z I've had for a year doesn't have a guard listed, either.  I turned down an aftermarket one from the dealer when I purchased it because one of the reasons I'd fallen in love was the satin finish.

Uh-huh.  Satin finishes have apparently not improved in 30 years (note to self) and now I have a partially polished mahogany top.   Sigh.

Thinking of a clear removable that I can cut into the proper shape with one of those Olfa-type wheel cutters. 

[Earl]

I see not being the Taylor PG shape as a positive.  I prefer the Martin-style teardrop shape, when a pickguard cannot be avoided.  That is why I opted for "clear" - then shape doesn't really matter.

KM Frye, any satin finish will eventually get polished by skin friction as you play.  It is not a question of satin finishes "not being improved".  It is a fact of life.

[RileyKendall]

Have decided to not put a pick guard on it.  I have not experimented with the removable clear yet.  Just too lazy.   I have a permanent  clear that was sent with the guitar and I purchased a removable clear from Taylor.  I decided I like the look of it without.

Thanks for the feed back.